Community Forums

Doug427 · 02-16-2021, 07:22 PM

I did a search and there are plenty of A/B switch threads. However, the opinions are all over the board. It seems to depend on what dish you're using, what receiver you have, and so on.

Here's my situation: I have a Dish Network Wally receiver and a Winegard Pathway X2 portable dish. I have no external cable hookup ports on my older coach. The easy way for me to hook this dish up to the receiver inside is to use the existing cable tv line that runs up into the box of many buttons (BOMB). My initial plan was (and still may be) to disconnect the cable tv line from the BOMB and connect it to the back of the Wally, with the exterior end obviously connected to the dish outside. If we're at a campground that has a good cable signal, then I woould have to reconnect the line back to the BOMB to the cable tv terminal.

That's sort of a pain in the neck, having to pull the box out, connect, disconnect ,etc. It would be much easier if I could have the cable TV line enter the A/V cabinet to an A/B switch, and then one end of the switch is connected to the cable TV terminal on the BOMB and then the other end connected to the back of the Wally receiver. Then I would simply select A or B depending on what source I have the outdoor end of the cable connected to.

I know that satellite needs a RG6 line (I have that) because the signal from the satellite is not as strong as the signal from cable tv. Also, satellite uses voltage on the line to run the dish, etc. Given that, I have read some say that a A/B switch won't work because it causes too much loss and won't pass he necessry voltage through it. Others say it does work. Arrrgggghhhh

.

Can anyone who has first hand knowledge of an A/B switch working with the above equipment tell me how it's working for you, and what A/B switch you're using? Thanks!

lllkrob · 02-16-2021, 08:56 PM

This is what you need. I use one like it for my PathwayX2 and VIP 211Z DISH receiver. https://www.amazon.com/STEREN-2-Way-...3534034&sr=8-6

coachmanjay · 02-17-2021, 08:02 PM

I tried that switch but it not seem to work with the Wally. Think the Wally 12 volt power supply was too week to power the antenna with the loss in the switch. You might get it to work if you put a power inserter between the switch and the antenna. (Winegard PI GM60)

traveldawg · 02-18-2021, 06:50 PM

I'm thinking you already have and A/B switch - it's the "BOMB".

Maybe try connecting the Wally to one of the TV ports on the back of the "BOMB". It 'should' pass the signals.

I've used the A/B switch lllkrob suggested on may occasions and it work fine.

An alternative is to run a pigtail coax from the cable input of the "BOMB", another pigtail coax to the Wally, and leave both easily accessible in the "BOMB" area and switch the incoming cable coax between the "BOMB" cable input pigtail and Wally pigtail depending on your needs. It eliminates all that mess of pulling the box out, reconnecting cables, etc.

sawmillman · 02-19-2021, 08:41 AM

I use the same STEREN switch that is linked above. One input coax to it. One output to the Bomb for cable. One output to the Wally, and then out from the Wally to the Bomb. Works perfectly for me.